PS 1784 
' .H44 M3 
Copy 1 




C. F. Bradley ^ Co. Print. 147 Main Street, CinU 



,^^^-. 



MARIONj 



OR 



THE RECLAIMED 



^ |i»a. 



IN THEEE ACTS 



BY J. R. HAMILTON, 



WITH ORIGINAL CAST, AND STAGE BUSINESS. 



CINCINNATI: 

PUBLISHED BY H. W. DERBY & 00. 

185 7. 






Entered aecording to Act of Congress, in the year 1856, by 

J. R. HAMILTON,; 

In the Clerk's office of the U. S, District Court of the Southern District of Ohio. 




7. 



^ 



c 

-J 

LU 



•A 



TO 



MISS ELIZA LOGAN, 



IN ADMIRATION OF HER BRILLIANT TALENTS, 



THIS LITTLE TRIBUTE IS, 



WITH PERMISSION; 



VERT RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, 



J. R. HAMILTON. 



CAST OF "MARION," 

AS ORIGINALLY PERFOEMED AT WOOD's THEATRE, 

Cincinnati, December 31st, 1856. 

LordGbantlet Howard j. k. Mortimer. 

LordLoftus Alvin A. Read. 

LordCramptcn W. H. Leighton. 

Sir Thomas Oldham B. R. Maginley. 

LordClieton E. W. Danforth. 

Capt Vanpelt E. L. Tilton. 

Col. ViNMAN S.M.Irwin. 

Dr. ViNMAN S.Parker. 

^^•^f^^^^ T. C. Hutchings. 

Mr. Murray D. Swift. 

f^- Y^^^^ W. H. Bailey. 

J^^^^°^ A.N. Sharps. 

^°^^= G. Browne. 

Marion Torke Miss Eliza Logan. 

Mrs. Murray Mrs. M. Parker. 

Ogilvie Miss Alice Duncan. 

^^^^^ • Mrs. J. K. Mortimer. 

" Vanpelt .. g-ogan. 



OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. 



From the Cincinnati " Enquirer " Jan. 12th, 1357. 

Wood's Theatee — The New Plat of " Makion." — This production of our fel- 
low-citizen, J . R. Hamilton. Esq., has been successful at "Wood's Theatre. It is full 
of intense interest, and the development of character manifests the writer's familiar- 
ity with the stage and dramatic action. It was admirably cast— Miss Logan rep- 
resenting the heroine, which she portrayed with the pathos and pure taste that char- 
acterize all of her pictures. 

The play opens with a domestic English scene — a picture of a quiet rural life. The 
distinction between the titled peer and the yeoman is well defined. ' ' Lord Grantly 
Howard " [Mr. Mortimer) becomes enamored of a young and tender girl of humble 
parentage, but whom he has encountered at some fashionable soiree, while sojourn- 
ing with city friends. He is half, and only half a villain. After-succeeding in ruin- 
ing her, he is seized with remorse, and finds that he has really loved, and his own 
happiness has been MTCcked, as well as that of another. There are some dark and 
sombre scenes; when the unfortunate is driven to the last resource of the wretched, 
and attempts to wrap the deed of suicide beneath the mantle of night, as well as 
the dark wave of the heaving Thames. 

The lighter portions of the play are well sustained. " Captain Jacob Van Pelt " 
(Mr. Tilton) is a fine, whole-souled character — such as will be recognized as genu- 
inely American, and recommending itself by its generous impulse and utter fear- 
lessness. "Loftus" (Mr. Read) is a fop, and certainly is an excellent type of his 
class. In fact, there is great distinctiveness in every character — the dialogue is easy 
and graceful, and with a variety of incidents of the most interesting nature ; the 
unity of the plot is well preserved and the denouement is satisfactory, for the hero- 
ine has won every heart from the first by her gentleness, by her devotion and her 
sufferings. The true heart will not shrink from the judgment of the author, whose 
rendition of a happy future to " one who loved not wisely, but too well," cannot 
fail of approval. 

The moral endeavored to be inculcated is not without effect. It maintains the 
postulate that erring womten is not wholly base — that although she may fall beneath 
the shaft of wicked love, it is not a necessary consequence that the delicate points 
of her nature are blasted, and that 

" She sinks like stars that set to rise no more." 
Then, too, it appeals to the charity of society — to be lenient to the weak and unpro- 
tected — to be kind to the struggling heart, however intolerant to vice. We look 
upon this play as a decided success, and Mr. Hamilton may congratulate himself on 
having contributed a living plat to the language. The new scenes painted by Mr. 



Porter, artist of the Theatre, were very beautiful. They reflect credit upon his taste 
and judgment. By the way, we know no scenic painter who better arranges percep- 
tive, who manages drapery or architectural designs so well. He is a man of genius 
and decided taste. 



From the Cincinnati "Gazette," January 1st, 1857 
Wood's Theatee-The New Play -The new three-act play of " Marion," or the 
Keclaimed," by J. R. Hamilton, Esq., was produced for the first time last ni-ht 
There are some clever hits and excellent dramatic effects, and the production wis a 
decided success with the audience. 

We have never seen a new play so well put upon the stage. Miss Logan's " Ma- 
rion " (a part by no means equal to her powers) was, of course, admirable Messrs 
Mortimer, Tilton and Kead sustained their characters with great spirit and fidelity i 
and not a single part in the drama was poorly rendered. 

The leading performers were aU called before the curtain at the close. The author 
was also called for, with considerable enthusiasm. 



From the Cincinnati " Commercial," Jan. 1st 1856 
The NETf Plat at Wood's Theatre.-'- Marion, or the Reclaimed," a new play 
in three acts, written by J. R. Hamilton, Esq., of this city, was produced for the 
first time on any stage last night at Wood's Theatre ; Miss Eliza Logan and Mr. 
Mortimer in the leading characters. There was an audience very respectable' in 
numbers and highly inteUigent in character, and the verdict was-succESs The lit- 
erary merit of the play is quite considerable. It abounds in happily-turned periods, 
and felicitous phrases; occasionally rising to true beauty, and in some instances, 
decidedly touching and strong; and, more than this, the play acts weU;-at least it 
did so with the cast it had. The scenes-with the exception of a few episodes of te- 
diousness, were all spirited, as was evinced by the hearty relish with which it was ac- 
cepted by the audience., whose rounds of applause were frequent and genuine 



MARION; 



THE RECLAIMED 



A PLAT IN THREE ACTS. 



DRAMATIS PERSONiE. 

Lord Grantley Howard. An English Nobleman. 

Lord Crampton. Affianced to Lord Grantley' s Sister. 

Lords Loftus, Clifton^ Lovelace^ and\ Friends and acquaintances of 

Sir Thomas Oldham. S Lord Grantley. 

Captain Vanpelt. An American Sea Captain. 
Mr. Yorke. A poor, respectable farmer of Gloucestershire. 
Dr. Vinman. A Clergyman of New York, (formerly tutor of Lord 

Grantley.) 
Colonel Vinman. His Nephew. 
Mr. Murray. A Merchant of New York. 
Mr. Ogilvie. A wealthy citizen of London. 
Hodge. A Country Boy. 

Mrs. Yorke. Wife of farmer Yorke. 

Marion. Their only child. 

Mrs. Vanpelt. Wife of Captain Vanpelt. 

Mrs. Murray. Wife of Mr. Murray, and Sister of Col. Vinman. 

Mrs. Ogilvie. Wife of Mr, Ogilvie. 

Servants, &c. 
Scene. Two first Acts in England — Third, in America. 

Costume. Modern. 



MARIOJN'; 



THE RECLAIMED 



ACT. I. 

Scene T. Evening. A Room in an Old English Farm House. Mr. 
YoRKE IS sitting^ r. 2d. k. at a fire^ smoking his pipe. Mrs. Yorke, r. 
c. knitting. Marion, l. c. with Guitar. 

Mr. Yorke. That's all very pretty Marion ; but, somehow, I dont 
like these new-fangled tunes so well as the old ones. Can't you sing 
some of the old airs you used to love so, before you went to London ? 
Your aunt Ogilvie has so filled you with finery, that I dont think you 
see and hear as you used to. 

Marion. My dear Papa — 

Mrs. Y. There's "Home, sweet home" now; — you havn't forgot 
that, have you darling ? 

Marion. That is very sweet, Mama ; but nothing in comparison to 
this. It requires a cultivated taste you know, to like Bellini's music. 

Mrs. Y. True, My child, but we old-fashioned folks havn't much 
taste or knowledge for that. The simpler the tune, the more it goes 
to my heart. Ain't it so with you, Father? 

Mr. Y. Aje : — so it is. It's like a glass o' my home-brewed cider, 
(^knocks ashes out of his pipe and takes a draught,) better than all your 
fizzy French Champagne. It's good and true, with no false mixture in 
it. Now my dear, sing '• Home, sweet home;" somehow, I can't hear 
that song too much. Every blessed word of it seems to twine 'round a 
poor man's heart. 



10 Marion; or the reclaimed. 

Enter Hodge, hurriedly^ l. d. f. 

Hodge. Here's Lord Grantley Howard. 

Ezit^ L. D. F. after Lord G. comes on. 



Enter Lord Grantley Howard, l. d. f. [they all rise respectfully, and 
Marion looks confused.) 

Lord G., (^shaking hands.) Do not let me disturb you, my kind 
friends; I was passing by at the moment, and the cheerful light 
through your lattice, was irresistible. 

Mr. T. Always proud to see you Lord Grantley; and to give you 
such welcome as a poor man can. 

Mrs. Y. "Won't you come to the fire my Lord ? It is a cold night. 

Lord G. Thank you, I do not feel it; {approaches 3Iarion and takes 
up her music.) What have you new. Miss Yorke ? Ah ! my favorite 
Norma — I see. 

Marion. Papa does not like Italian music. 

Lord G. No — why? 

Mr. Y. ! yes, I like it. But we were saying, my Lord, that 
the old-fashioned tunes were the best. 

Lord G. More nature and less art ; that's your fancy, eh, neigh- 
bor Yorke ? 

Mr. Y. That's it. Good sport to day my Lord? 

Lord G. Excellent. We killed on Squire TurnbuU's lawn, after 
a hard two hours run. 

3fr. Y. We saw the whole field go by in splendid style. Mother, 
won't you bring another glass for his Lordship ? You'll taste some 
o' my last years' cider, Lord Grantley ? It's about the best I ever 
made. 

Lord G. I should like it much. (Exeunt Mr. and Mrs. Yoree. 
R. I. E.) Marion I was detained — the hour has come at last, when I 
must prove the faith you put in me ! 

Marion. ( Trembling.) My Lord ! I scarce know what to do. 
Sometimes I feel as if I poised o'er the abyss of ruin, and then — my 
heart reproachfully persuades — you would not, could not wrong me? 



MARION; OR THE RECLAIMED. 11 

Lord G. My beauteous angel ! be that true heart your guide ! 
Brief must we be. To-night at twelve, steal through your casement 
leading to the lawn, and to the wicket gate, where I will meet you. 
My carriage will be at hand to take us to the station. Come well 
wrapped up. Nothing but your sweet self. 

3Iarion. And my poor parents ! they will die of grief! 

Lord G. Marion, this is weakness, why should they grieve? 
Have I not told you how my fortune stands — why, for the present, 
secresy is needful? Think you that I would wrong you? 

Marion. No my dear Lord — I do not think you would. (Starting.) 
Here comes my Father ! 



Re-enter Me. and Mrs. Yorke, r. i. e. with Pitcher of Cider, and one 

Glass. 



Mr. Y. Now then my Lord, try some of this — your Lordship is a 
judge, I know. 

Lord G. {Drinks.) Most excellent ! You must oblige me neigh- 
bor Yorke, with a good cask of this. 

Mr. T. With pleasure, my Lord; Hodge shall take one to the 
Castle to-morrow. 

Lord G. Eesume your needle Mrs. Yorke, and you your pipe 
good neighbor; I would not have entered if I had thought 1 should dis- 
turb your little circle. I hope Miss Yorke will favor us with, at least 
one song before I leave. 

Marion. {Falteringly.) My Lord, I am not in voice. 

Mr. Y. Oh yes, Marion ; try, that's a good girl, dont be afraid of 
his Lordship. 

Marion. What shall it be ? 

Mr. Y. Since you are so fond o' new things, my dear, suppose you 
sing the song you gave us last night. It's a melancholy thing my 
Lord, but very pretty for all that. 



13 MARION; OR THE RECLAIMED. 

Marion with trembling voice, and deep emotion, sings " The Blighted 
Flower." 

I had a flower within my garden growing'; 
I nourished it with fond and anxious care; 
Rich in each charm of nature's own bestowing, 
Of tints unrivaled, and of fragrance rare ; 
In evil hour, there came about my dwelling. 
One, who had blighted many a flower before. 
He saw my gem, all other flowers excelling ; 
He smiled upon it, and it bloomed no more ! 

Next day I found it withered and degraded, 
Cast by the spoiler carelessly away — 
Its beauty gone — its varied richness faded. 
Despised, forsaken, hastening to decay ! 
Vainly I strove the fading spark to cherish ; 
Nought now remains of what was once so dear ; 
Only with life can fond remembrance perish, 
Or cease to flow the unavailing tear ! 

(Mr. and Mrs. Yorke are visibly affected. At the conclusion, Lord 
Grantlby rises in a hurried and agitated manner.) 

Lord G. Thank you Miss Yorke, that is an exquisite song. I must 
retire. 

Mr. Y. Won't you try another glass, my Lord? 

Lord G. No more I thank you. Good night — good night ! 

[Exit L. D. p. and signs to Marion.) 

Mrs. T. {Approaching Marion, who has her hand to her face.) 
Why — Dolly, you look pale ! How ? Crying ! what's the matter my 
sweet child ? 

Marion. {Bursting into tears, and throwing her arms round her 
mother's neek.) Nothing Mama, but a mere passing feeling. 'Twill 
soon be over. That song affects me so. I must retire. Good night ; 

{Kisses her parents, and Exit.) l. i. b. 

Mr. T. Poor little Marion ! I thought her voice trembled very 
much while she was singing ; but then, I thought she was frightened 



MARION; OR THE RECLAIMED. 13 

because Lord Grantley Howard was here. She aint going to be sick, 
Mother ? 

Mrs. Y. No Father; but I dont know what to make of our Marion 
lately. I've watched a change grow over her. She isn't as she used 
to be before she went to visit our rich relations, the Ogilvies, in Lon- 
don. She's got to reading books of fancy, novels, and all that kind 
of rubbish, until I think, sometimes, our humble cottage does'nt look 
to her as it used to. (Shakes her head mournfully.) I never liked 
her going to London. 

Mr. Y. Oh ! mother, you're always looking at the black side o' 
things. Marion is young and handsome, and, for the matter o' that, 
we must expect young folks to have some fancies, that old ones for- 
get they ever had. Marion is educated, too; remember that ; and that 
the Ogilvie's did for her, although they are too proud to notice us. 
Marion one o' these days, will marry well, mind that. 

3Irs. Y. My poor darling ! indeed I hope so ! 

Mr. Y. It was very kind o' Lord Grantley to drop in, wasn't it ? 

Mrs. Y. Yes, it was. He is really a good young man ; and, if 
every Landlord was as kind to poor folks, as he is, the world would 
jog on easier. But, Father — it is getting late, so let us retire. 

[Exit R. I. E.) 



Scene II. — 3Ioonlight night. Cottage in the hack ground^ among Elm 
trees; Marion alone at the garden gate, wrapped in a cloak; Distant 
chimes heard. 

Marion. Grantley not here ! tis strange ! 
Hark! tis the midnight hour! the solemn chimes 
From Gloucester's aged Tower swell on the breeze, 
And, like the knell of my departed joys 
Appal my conscious soul ! Oh ! my dear mother ! 
How often as a child, at this lone hour, 
When the wind howled, and dismal sounds were heard. 
Have I crept nestling to your beating heart. 
And, as it rocked my timid frame to sleep, 
Have beard— at intervals — those very chimes 

2 



14 MARION; OR THE RECLAIMED. 

Float in the troubled air! And then you told 

How the same God who ruled the sweeping storm 

Would deign to guard a little child like me, 

If good and truthful. Oh! my poor mother! 

Perchance even now — wrapped in unconscious sleep — 

Your mind is dreaming of your daughter's joys, 

And your fond lips murmur a prayer for me 1 

Oh Marion I Marion ! thoughtless, cruel Marion I {weepi^ 

But wherefore should I weep? — {dashing her tears aside.) 

The step is wrong, 

But, out of wrong to bring my Parents good. 

Grantley is true! — yes — I would sooner doubt 

Yon shining moon illumines now the sky, 

Than think him false, — and he has sworn to wed me! 

Lord G. {Leaping over a style— and clasping her to his bosom.) 

Yes, my adored one — and will swear again ! 

Sweet Marion ! dry these tears, or I shall feel 

The veriest wretch for causing them to flow. 

Nay,— (ZiWn^ her) now they're gone,— I've kissed them all away! 

The night is cold, I'll wrap this scarf around you. 
Marion. {Pointing r. h. to the Farm House.) 

Look ! Grantley, look ! must I not weep for that ? 
'Tis, yesterday, just sixteen years ago — 

Under that roof, amid those aged trees 

That I first saw the light. In all that time,— 

Except the grief that springs for others' woes, 

I have not known a sorrow. An only child 
A doting Father's and a Mother's pride, 
Far from the world I've grown in innocence. 

I had no thought but theirs, knowing no guile 

My inmost soul was open to their gaze 

From infancy till now. Thus had I lived 

Until the blissful hour in which we met! 

From that sweet hour my peace of mind was gone! 

I drank your honied words,— I loved your worth,— 

Until— forgetful of my lowly sphere,— 

My untaught bosom, in consuming flame, 



1 



MARION; OR THE RECLAIMED. 15 

Centred all things, in Heaven and Earth, on you ! 

Let not deceit pollute my virgin soul, — 

Grantley — let me return ! ( Weeps leaning on him.) 

Lord G. Hush! — dearest Marion! 

What boots it now to weep — when on the eve 
Of doing what must seal their joy for ever? 
Say — is it nought to quit a peasant's home, 
The thousand ills that weigh the poor man down, 
For the sweet relish of luxurious ease 
And all the charms nobility can lend? 
Come — Marion — come ! 

Marion. Oh ! but we were so happy ! 

Lord G. And why not so again ? When the time comes 
For me, with safetj'-, to divulge our course, 
Think you your parents would be grieved to find 
Their darling Marion consort of a Lord ! 
Come — lean on me, — the night grows very cold, 
The carriage waits us at a distance hence. 
And, we must onward, lest we be discovered. 

Marion. ( Turning with solemnity towards the Cottage^ and kissing her 
hand.) 
Then — one long, last farewell ! Farewell, my parents ! 
And you my old dear home, — farewell ! [pauses) Grantley to you, 
And to my God — I now commend myself! [Exeunt.) l. i. b. 



Scene IIL — Interior of Farm House, {As before.) Hodge putting 
wood upon the fire, and hellovnng lustily. Loud and continued knock- 
ing at the door. 



Enter Mr. and Mrs. Ogilvie, l, d. p. The latter extravagantly dressed. 



Mr. 0. Is Farmer Yorke at home ? 

Hodge. Boo-hoo ! 

Mr. 0. I say — Boy — Is anybody at home ? 

Hodge. Boo — oo — hoc ! 



16 MARION; OR THE RECLAIMED. 

Mrs. 0. {Feialantly.) The boy is an idiot. How very strange it 
is thev do not employ a more decent person to receive their visitors. 

Mr. 0. Cant you tell me, ray good boy ? is your master or mis- 
tress, or anybody at home ? 

Hodge. Y-e-e-e-s — they be — Boo-oo ! 

Eriter Mrs. Yorke, xceej}ing violentLy. r. i. e. 

Mrs. Y. Oh! Mr. and Mrs. Ogilvie; I beg your pardon. I didn't 
know who it was. Poor Hodge is beside himself with grief this morn- 
ing. 

3Ir. 0. Good morning, Mrs. Yorke. We are on a tour to the lakes» 
and thought we would call and see you. 

Mrs. Y. Thank you sir — you are very kind. 

Mr. 0. My dear Madam you seem distressed. No serious trouble 
I hope ? 

Mrs. Y, [Sobbing.) Oh! yes, indeed sir — yes — 

Mr. 0. Dear, dear ! I am sorry to hear it. Any one dead ? 

Mrs. Y. No Sir — nobody dead — but — 

Mrs. 0. How is Marion ? Did she get the last package I sent ? 
It was full of brocade silks, and a beautiful edition of George Sand. 

Mr. 0. Hush ! Mrs. 0., this is not the moment to be talking of 
such rubbish. Poor Mrs. Yorke is evidently in much trouble. 

Mrs. 0. I presume, Mr. 0., T am not obliged to ask your permis- 
sion to speak. 

3Ir. 0. Perhaps not, Madam — but — 

Mrs. 0. There's no but in the matter Mr. 0., and — 

3Ir. 0. [Taking 3Irs. Yorke kindly by the hand.) Be seated my 
dear madam. What is the cause of this distress ? Pray tell me. 
[Seats himself beside her.) 

Mrs. Y. Oh ! Mr. Ogilvie— I dont know how to tell you. You 
know our poor Marion — you know how we loved her, and did all for 
her as poor folks could. Ever since she was a little baby, and T nursed 
her in these arms, I always tried to teach her what was right, and I 
never knew Marion think or do a thing that was'nt right. Lord help 
me, Mr. Ogilvie — I can't go on. 

Mr. 0. Pray, my dear Madam, be composed; you alarm me — 
what is the matter ? 



1 



MARION; OR THE RECLAIMED. 17 

Mrs, Y, She's — she's run away and left us I (Sobs.) 

Mr. and Mrs. 0. Run awaj ! 

Mrs. Y. Last night we were all together, happy and contented, 
as we always were. She sang and played for us, and Lord Grantley 
Howard came in, as he often does, 'mong us poor folks. He's such a 
good, kind gentleman ! Soon after he left, Marion did'nt seem well, 
and went to rest ; and when I 'woke this morning — oh dear ! oh dear ! 
my poor, sweet baby was'nt there ! 

Mr. 0. Well — but perhaps she has only gone to see some neigh- 
bor, and will soon return. 

Mrs. Y. Oh, no — Mr. Ogilvie, look here, look here, {draws a crum- 
pled letter from her bosom.) My poor old man thinks to the last, it 
can't be true, and has been hunting her, ever since, like a madman ; 
but nobody can tell us anything about her. Look here, Mr. Ogilvie ; 
read this — {hands him the letter.) I found it on her dressing table. 

Mr. 0. (Reads.) " My beloved parents : Before you read these 
lines, your Marion will have left the happy home of her childhood 
and a Father and Mother, the recollection of whose idolizing love 
pierces her heart while she pens these words. I know how you will 
grieve for me ; I dread what slander may say of the step I have taken 
but, my dear parents, I am under a spell which is irresistible, and 
in my soul I am acting for the best. Forgive the deception, which, 
for the first time in my life, has stained a single act of mine towards 
you. As to the course which I have taken, why, with whom, and to 
what purpose, I cannot, must not tell you ; but be consoled with the 
assurance, that 1 fly with one far above my condition in life ; one 
who loves me, and who will lead us all to happiness, and fortune. 
Adieu ! my dear parents ; and, be assured that whenever you think of 
me, your cherished image will, at that moment, be occupying the 
heart and mind of your loved Marion." [re-folds the letter slowly, 
and hands it to Mrs. Yorke.) Alas ! poor child ! " Above my condition 
in life /" Can it be possible that Lord Grantley Howard! 

Mrs. Y. Lord Grantley Howard! oh! Mr. Ogilvie — impossible! 
Lord Grantley never could do so; — oh! no, no, no. So kind and 
gentle as he is ! oh ! no — Mr. Ogilvie. I know there are bad men in 
the world, but the Almighty never made a man so bad as that. To 
sit with us as he did last night, — to talk and smile so kindly, and all 



18 Marion; or the reclaimed. 

the while watching the ruin of a poor honest girl, and her old parents' 
heart a breaking ! — oh! no — Mr. Ogilvie, — I'm sure it isn't him, — it 
never can be Lord Grantley Howard ! {weeps violently.) 

Mrs. 0. I always told you so, Mr. 0. 

Mr. 0. What Madam? 

Mrs. 0. That Marion would require looking after. 

Mr. 0. [Mimicking her.) "Told me so," — and what if you "told 
me so? " I always told you too, Mrs. 0., that the nonsense which 
was being put into her head by the gossiping, dressing, giddy, extrav- 
agant, romance-reading, infernal clique that infest your circle in Lon- 
don, was enough to turn the head of any girl. I have heard flattery 
enough poured into the ear of that poor little child, to make a thou- 
sand peasant girls fancy themselves Queens and Duchesses, 

Mrs. 0, That's all very fine, I dare say, — ^but pray Mr. 0, — 



Enter Mr. Yorke, r. d. p. rushing in, almost breathless, — he does not 
recognize his guests, but throws his hat on the floor, and sinks into a 
chair., c. 



Mr. Y. It's all over Mother! 

Mrs. Y. And where is she gone ? 

Mr. Y. Oh ! the Lord knows. I beg pardon, Mr. Ogilvie, and you, 
Mrs, Ogilvie, — I didn't see you; oh Lord! oh Lord ! 

Mrs. Y. [Approaching her husband affectionately.) Come, Father 1 
don't take on so. Youmusn'tdo it, — you musn't indeed. God will 
protect us and bring her back. 

Mr. Y. No — Mother — no ! — It's all over I To drink with a man, 
laugh with a man, shake hands with a man, — and then — oh Heaven I 

Mrs. Y. Oh Father, why do you talk so ? tell me, do,— have you 
heard anything about our poor Marion ? 

3Ir. Y. Yes, Mother,— heard it all !— Old Billy Hooper, the toll-gate 
keeper, saw 'em go through in a carriage. As he came out with his 
lantern the light fell full in her face. It was our Marion ! and — the 
villain is Lord Grantley Howard! (Mrs. Yorke shrieks and falls into 
her husband's arms. Mr. Yorke carries her off l. 2 e. Mr. and Mrs. 
OGrihyi^ follow. Plaintive music. 



MARION; OR THE RECLAIMED. 19 

Scene IV. A private lodging in London. Lord Grantley Howard 
and Lord Crampton, seated. 

Lord O. L. Crampton, this matter weighs upon my heart, 
And frets my soul to madness. 

Lord C. R. ( Gaily.) Poor love-sick swain ! Shall I prescribe for 
him? 

Lord G. [Mournfully.) No — not for me, — but for my Marion. 

Lord C. Poor little girl ! — but, after all, what is it? {They rise.) 
Why man — you grieve more for this petticoat 
Than Loftus boasts of his one hundred conquests. 

Lord G. True — but I am not Lord Loftus, 
Nor would I, — for ten times the wealth to which I'm heir, 
Possess his feelings. Crampton you have known me 
From earliest youth, — joined in my boyhood's sports, 
Sat by my side through many a midnight vigil 
Toiling for honors in old Pembroke's walls ; 
You've seen my wayward nature plunging deep 
In all the follies that beset the great; — 
But even you, my oldest, dearest friend, — 
Even 2/OM, have little known me, if you thought — 
Spite of the gay and frivolous thing I seemed — 
That I can dally with a maiden's honor, 
And hold a heart unburdened. 

Lord C. No — Grantley — nor can I ; although my lively nature — 
Judged by a stranger's eye — might be deemed callous, — 
You know me well enough, to be persuaded 
That I feel as you do. But, when a wrong is done, 
For which there's no redress, — why let the mind 
Forever dwell on ceaseless, vain repining ? 

Lord G. No redress, Crampton ! That is the fatal rock 
Upon whose cruel surface, many a bark 
Freighted with beauty, honor, love, and pride, 
Has dashed itself to pieces ! no redress ! 

Lord C. No ; — for when once a maiden's honor's gone ; 
When the sweet bloom which gave her spotless soul 
All its divine perfection; when thaHs lost, 



20 MARION; OR THE RECLAIMED. 

Farewell all hope and joy I — there's no redress ! 

Lord G. Aye — in the code of Fashion it is so. 
I know 'twere a vain effort to recall 
The joyous hopes, the merry innocent thoughts 
That play like sunshine 'round a Virgin's heart; 
But, — if we cannot yield that shattered heart 
It's pristine happiness, — we may redeem it. 

Lord O. Redeem it ! How ? 

Lord O. By throwing round that heart, the only shield 
Which can preserve it from pollution's touch, 
And from a foul world's scorn. 

Lord a What shield is that ? 

Lord G. I know but one : — Marriage ! 

Lord C. (Surprised.) Yes — when the step is ^05«i6^e. 
But, we were speaking of a case like pour's. 

Lord G. Well, — of a case like mine. What, if in spite 
Of all that Scandal's poisoned tongue could say, 
I should yield justice to the peasant girl. 
And Marion Yorke become my Lady Howard I 

Lord C. (Laughing.) An excellent farce, indeed I 

Lord G. Often a tragedy makes a good farce. 

Lord O. Yes — where the actors blunder. But to be earnest : 
Grant] ey, if I supposed that the bare thought 
Of such a folly could but cross your brain 
To have one moment's serious lodgment there. 
My love and my respect, — deep as they are — 
Based on a whole life's trial and devotion, — 
Would melt like wax before a glowing furnace ! 

Lord G. And why, Lord Crampton ? 

Lord 0. Can you ask me why ? 

Marry a peasant ! Call you that nothing ? 
The noble house of Howard come to this ! 

( With solemnity.) By all the friendship that exists between us— 
By the deep love you bear to her, whose hand 
Is pledged to one, dearer to you than Brother, — 
By a proud ancestry, whose noble blood 
Has flowed for centuries, one unbroken stream 



MARION; OR THE RECLAIMED. 21 

Of Honor, Virtue, and untarnished fame, — 
I call on you to pause. 'Tis seldom, Grantley, 
That your friend rises to the serious mood ; 
But, when I hear one, dear to me as you — 
Reason thus lightly of his dearest gifts. 
And, for the sake of a mere trivial passion — 
Casting aside ambition, fame and honor. 
Rating at naught his family's Escutcheon, 
It causes thoughts that leave no room for jesting. 

Lord G. Crampton — I love her dearly. 

Lord C. Doubtless you do ; — but, does your love die there ? 
Are there not those who have a higher claim 
Upon your heart's devotion, than the wiles 
And fleeting fascinations of a mistress ? Pshaw ! 

Lord G. But is it manly, Crampton — thus to pluck 
A tender flowret from its parent stem. 
And cast it on a bleak and barren world ? 

Lord C. Are there no ways to save your pretty victim 
From dangerous contact with the outward world, 
Without entailing on yourself perdition, 
And bringing shame upon your noble House ? 
Place her beyond all want, — and then, dear Grantley, 
Fly from her presence, as you would a Syren 
Whose mellow voice would lure you to destruction ! 

Lord G. Crampton, I cannot; — I am pledged to wed herl 

Lord G. Such pledges, Grantley, are but frothy bubbles 
Upon the surface of unhallowed lust, 
And have no root in honor. The ready tongue, 
In an unguarded moment, when the soul, — 
Blinded by passion, — loses all restraint. 
Will utter language which the heart thinks true, 
But which it spurns at the first dawn of reason. 
Shew me the man can raise his eye to Heaven, 
And swear he never broke a solemn pledge 
Made with himself or others! Come, Grantley, 
You lay too rude a hand on your poor conscience. 
Pledge me one thing: that e're you rest to-night, 



22 MARION; OR THE RECLAIMED. 

You pension Marion with so large a sum '■■ 

As — that through life — she never may know want, 
And then — without one pause — quit her/or ever ! 

(Lord Grantley wavers.) 

Give me your hand, — tell me in solemn faith 

I've plucked my brother from the abyss of ruin, 

And that this night you leave her ! 

Lord G. (Mournfully.) It must be so I {Crosses n,) 

Lord C. To-morrow then we meet — to plot together 

Our trip to see the Carnival at Paris ; 

And, my poor Grantley must be changed indeed, 

If its gay crowds and laughter-moving scenes, — 

Cannot dispel this shadow from his mind. 

Your solemn faith is pledged— remember that 1 

{JEzii L. I. B.) 

Lord G. (Solus.) My solemn faith is pledged ! — aye — and to what ? 
The heartless murder of the sweetest innocent 
That e'er came spotless from its maker's hand. 
To grace this wretched world ! Oh I cursed villain ! 
And triply-cursed the fashions that enforce 

Such damned distinctions between hearts that love I (Comes forward.) 
Now CO aid I give the pride of heraldry, 
And all the wealth and dignity of earth 
For the rude birthright of the poorest peasant I 
What if he lacks nobility and wealth ? 
What if his life be doomed to honest toil? 
His manhood revels in a joyous freedom. 
Unshackled by the cold, conventional Torms 
That weigh the rich man and the noble down. 
Oh! Marion! — would to Heaven I had the power 
To overcome my birth, — and call thee mine ! 
But — the deep gulf between us is impassable ! 
Crampton was right, — it must not — cannot be ! 
I'll pen the fatal deed 1 ( Goes to a bureau and writes.) 
Ah! here she comes! Prepare, my craven heart 
For this last struggle between love and reason I 



MARION; OR THE RECLAIMED. 23 

Enter Marion, b. i. b. 

Marion. My Lord ! — you're pale this evening ! — are you not well ? 

Lord G. No, Marion; — I am not; — but, tis my mind 
And not my body ails me. 

Marion, My dear Lord I 

Let me divide the sorrow which assails you ; 
For, to deny me that^ would make my heart 
Ache even more than your's. 

Lord G. Not now sweet Marion. 

[Aside.) Oh Heaven ! — I cannot tell her! 

Marion. ( Gaily.) My Lord — I have had a dream I 

Lord G. I hope a sweet one. 

Marion. Yes indeed : as I reclined this evening, 
A heavy sleep came o'er me, and my mind 
Wandered away unto my lowly home. 
Methought I heard our merry village bells 
Ring a loud peal; the people hurrying came, 
While little girls strewed flowers along the ground ; 
And soon a shout was raised : " Look, here they come !" 
I saw my poor old parents in the crowd 
Beaming with smiles ; the neighbors came around. 
Grasping their hands, and many a voice exclaimed : 
" God bless Lord Grantley and his peasant bride!" 
I looked again, — and lo ! a splendid carriage. 
Drawn by four milk-white horses, dashed along. 
And in it — oh ! my Lord — isat your dear self, 
And by your side — your Marion ! 
Frenzied with joy, I 'woke, — the scene was past, 
But my sweet Lord is here to bless my sight ! 
Strange, is it not — this dream should come the eve 
Of the same day that is to see our wedding ? 

Lord G. Marion ! — 'twere well if from that golden dream 
You ne'er had wakened ! 

Marion. [Surprised.) What means my Lord ? 

Why all this troubled working of your brow ? 

Lord G. My poor, dear Marion I In mercy spare me 



24 MARION; OR THE RECLAIMED. 

Those burning -words, — which, as they quit mj tongue — 
Would rend your heart, and turn my own to ashes I 

Marion. [Terrified.) My Lord! 

Lord O. {Aside.) Oh, God ! I cannot do it ! {Aloud.) Marion ! 
Bear with me, my sweet girl, while T relate 
The bitter grief which haunts my guilty soul ; 
And plants a gulf between us both, forever. 
Wide as the poles asunder, — deep as Hell ! 

Marion. {Starting wildly.) What ! 

Lord G. Say, Marion, — did you never, — when your heart 
Clung to the wretch who trembles now before you, — 
Did you not dream — what difference lay between 
A lowly peasant's and a noble's birth ? 

Marion. { Trembling and staring on vacancy.) How ! 

Lord G. {Aside.) Heaven ! this will unman me ! {Aloud) Ma- 
rion take this paper. 
In it you'll find what my tongue dares not utter : 
A full confession of my horrid crime, 
With what will make you rich. Take it, my jewel; — 
'Tis the last act of a despairing heart. 
To mitigate the ruin it has caused ! {Rushes from the room^ l. i. e.) 

Marion. {Imploringly.) Stay! — Grantley— stay ! Gone! Heav- 
en ! what is this ? 
Sweet as the honied flower to the bee. 
To those dear lips in extasy I've hung, 
And drank their nectar ! — now — alas ! So changed ! 
What meant those words, those horrid, bitter words, 
Which, like an icy blast from the keen north, 
Have frozen up the life-blood of my heart ? 
" A lowly Peasants and a Noble'' s birth /'' 
Ha ! — Can he then ? — Down ! down ! rebellious thoughts ! 
ffe false to me ! — no — no, he could not do it. 
Be still, my foolish heart ; — Stay — what is this ? 
{Reads over in terror^ contents of paper ^ tears it into fragments^ and sinks 

on her knees, her hands raised in agony) 
Grantley ! Grantley ! — oh ! my poor heart is broken I 

END OP ACT FIRST. 



MARION; OR THE RE C LAI ME P. 25 



ACT II. 

Scene I. Blackfriar s. bridge. London. Starlight night. 
( One year from date of the first act.) 

Enter ]\rARioN, R. u. E. 

Marion. [Lookiiig around.) Yes — yes — 'twas here. I noticed Avell 
the spot, 
When last m j weai'ied footsteps passed this way. 
Thank Heaven ! there's no one near. My darling babe ! 
My only joy through this loog year of sorrow, — 
The only link that bound me to the earth, — 
Thou too art gone ! Thy poor, lost, wretched mother, 
Now goes to join thee in that blissful land 
That's never watered by a mother's tears ! 
I come my babe; — One plunge will bring me to thee ! 
Far — far beneath, the sullen waves invite 
To their cold depths another brokeij heart ! 
Oh ! vrhat a stillness!- -I can almost hear 
My lone heart beating 'gainst its gloomy cell. 
The vast world is asleep ; and, save the lights 
Which glimmer yonder by Thames' oozy banks, 
Or the low rumble of some distant car, 
I could believe this wilderness of beings 
Had left the world alone — to God and me ! 
Hark ! — some one approaches, — I must hide myself. 

( Conceals herself in om of the recesses of the bridge.) 

Enter Lord Loftus and Sir Thomas Oldham, r. u. b. 

Sir T. Ha, ha ! — that was an excellent joke, Lord Loftus. Let's 
stop awhile. How beautiful the night is! Whew! the last polka with 
those girls has put me out of breath. Take a cigar ? 



26 Marion; or the reclaimed. 

,\j / Lord, Q. But — ah — as I was telling you, Sir Thomas ; — what made 
/ the matter so iwwesistibly funny, was — ah — the sublime unconscious- 
ness of the fellow himself. 

Sir T. He never suspected you, of course. 

Lord L. Of course not. His wife perfawmed her part with the 
most inimitable gwace and tact ; — and, ah — in spite of my highly ar- 
tistic applications to his fwontal sinus — I believe — ah — the fool still 
thinks me the dearwest fwend he has. Ha-ha-ha ! Who is going to 
be at Clifton's to-night? 

Sir T. Lord Crampton and Lord Grantley Howard will be there ; 
but who the rest are I do not know. 

Lord L. Lord Gwantley — ah — appears to me a vewy altered man 
fwom what he was. 

Sir T. Yes, he is a strange being, — full of whims and oddities, but 
a noble-minded man for all that. We were fellow students at College, 
and 1 never knew a more open-hearted youth, nor one that I loved 
more. The affair of that little Gloucestershire girl, which made such 
noise about a year ago, — what was her name again, by the way? — 
Marion — something — 

Lord L, Mawion Yorke, — 

Sir T. Marion Yorke! — yes that was it; — I heard about it on my 
return from Italy. Well — that affair affected him much, and he has 
never been the same man since. From being the most jovial of com- 
panions, he has grown petulant, morose, and quarrelsome. I don't 
know how it happens that Lord Grantley and I have seen so little of 
each other lately. 

Lord L. What a confounded ass he pwoved himself upon that 
occasion, to be sure! Why — ah — Sir Thomas, I was positively in- 
fawmed, by some one who heard it leak out, that — ah — he actually 
wanted to mawwy the girl ! 

Sir T. Nay — Loftus — it was surely never so serious an affair as 
that. 

Lord L. Ha-ha-ha! — upon my soul, it's a fact; and ah — what is 
more — when he abandoned her, — he, ah — gave her no less an allow- 
ance than six thousand pounds. 

Sir T. Is it possible! — where is she now? 



MARION; OR THE RECLAIMED. 27 

Lord L. That is the stwangest part of the affair. She did not 
weturn home, and has never been heard of since. 

Sir T. That was a splendid turn-out, the marriage of his sister 
with Lord Crampton. By the way,— is there any truth in the report 
that Lord Grantley is to be married shortly to the Hon. Isabella 
Munroe ? 

Lord. Jj. I have not heard it. 

Sir T. [Noticing Marion.) By Heavens! Loftus— we have an 
eaves-dropper. 

Lord L. The deuce we have ! — where? 

Sir T. Oh ! — I see — it is only some poor, abandoned wretch. 

Lord L. {Approaching Marion.) I'll speak to her. 

Sir. T. Loftus — we had better not waste time ; — we shall be late 
at Clifton's. 

Lord L. {Accosting Marion, and putting his hand upon her.) Ho, 
ho ! — my Venus! — what bwings you here to-night? 

3Iarion. {Shrugging in horror.) In mercy's sake— kind gentleman, 
abuse me not — I am not what I seem. 

Lord L. Ha-ha !— Sir Thomas come here,— here's a pwodigy ! 
She is not what she seems ! 

Sir T. {Approaching.) Come, Loftus — leave the poor girl alone— 
Fm off, 'tis getting late. 

Lord L. {Still with his hand upon Marion.) If you are not what 
you seem, my pretty wench, pway — what are you ? By the Lord ! 
Sir Thomas, — young and plump as a pawtwidge ! 

Marion. {Cowering in anguish.) By every call of decency and 
honor, 
I do implore you, Gentlemen, to leave me ! 

Sir T. Loftus, be quiet, do ; — this is no commom outcast, I am sure. 
Her language and manners denote good breeding. My poor girl ! 
why do you stand here in the bleak night air ? Here is money — you 
can go seek a lodging. ( Offers his purse. ) 

Marion. {Shrinking.) The Lord reward you, my good gentleman, 
For one kind thought to a poor, helpless woman. 
But, I am past the need. ( Weeps.) 

Lord L. {Turning.) Ha-ha— Sir Thomas,— I did not expect to 
find so womantic an adventure upon Blackfwiar's bwidge to-night. 



2b makion: or the reclaimed. 

You had better pwopose at once to mawwy ber, as Lord Grantley did 
to Marion Yorke. Ha-ha ! 

Sir T. {Taming also.) You will not let me help you then? 

Marion. No — my kind sir — God bless you ! 

Sir Thomas. Well then — Good night ! 
[He is moving^ tvhen Marion joZwefe him hg the sleeve.) 

3Iarion. ( With eagerness.) Were you not speakinj? of Lord Grant- 
ley Howard ? 

Sir Thomas. We were, — 

Marion. You are a friend of his ? — 

Sir Thomas. Yes, — does he know you ? 

Marion. Tell him for me, that ever since Ave parted, 
My loyal soul has steadfast been to him ! 
Tell him for me, that from an injured heart, — 
Racked, broken, bleeding, though that heart is now. 
Poor Marion Yorke forgives him ! 

Sir Thomas. My God ! and are gou then ? — 

Marion. Ask me no more, — for Mercy's sake, forbear ! 
Tell him those words — and leave me, I implore you. 

Sir T {Astonished.) Marion Yorke! {She sobs aloud.) 

Lord L. {Bursting into loud laughter.) Ha-ha-ha ! upon my soul 
this is too wich. Why — Sir Thomas, the wench overheard all we 
were vSaying. Ha-ha ! — this is a capital stowy for the horse mawines. 
Come, come, Sir Thomas ; you will be quizzed to death, when I we- 
late this joke at Clifton's to-night. {3fakes a profound how to Ma- 
rion.) Good night, Miss Mawion Yorke ; — I — I beg pardon, my Lady 
Gwantley Howard ! — Ha-ha ! — 

Sir T. And does Lord Grantley Howard not know where to find 
you? 

Marion. Ask me no more, I pray you. 

Sir T. {Fervently.) Then Heaven protect you, Marion ! I will be 
sure to give him your own words. Good night ! 
Marion. Farewell ! . 

Lord L. Ha-ha-ha! Upon my soul, this is the waciest farce I 
ever saw in my life. Come, come, Sir Thomas ; — we shall be too 
late. It is my turn to huwwy now — I see you are in a down wight 
dwamatic vein to-night. 

{Exeunt., Lord Loftus, laughing immoderately.) 



Marion; or the reclaimed. 29 

Marion. [Solus.) Oil! how like dew upon the drooping rose 
Kind words fall on the heart ! They have unnerved me, 
And almost turned me from my deep resolve ! 
But — Courage, Marion ! He is my Grantley's friend, 
And e'er my eyes are closed in their last sleep 
My burning farewell will have reached his ear ! 
Ah me ! — to think that momentary pause 
Upon the dreadful border of eternity, 
Should have brought us so near again in contact ! 
Grantley ! Grantley ! — little did you dream 
When, in your pride, you turned from me in scorn, 
How bleak and barren is this dismal world 
To her whose pathway has diverged from virtue! 
Oh ! had you tracked my footsteps — day by day, — 
Seen my lone struggles for our helpless babe, — 
Felt the deep canker gnawing at my heart, — 
And all endured for you ; — ah ! far above 
All pride of birth, all circumstance of wealth, 
Your just and manly conscience must have ranked 
The deep devotion of a woman's heart ! y . J— ^- 

But now — alas ! — 'tis j^m^ and all forgiven ! rl^> ^ 

(Captain Vanpelt without, singing ;) 

" A Yankee ship and a Yankee crew. 
Tally hi ho — you know;" — 

Some one approaches! — Heaven receive my spirit! 

( Climbs parapet.) 

Capt. V. (Enters. R. V. E.) My stars! What's that? Somebody 
on the parapet ! A woman! What's in the wind? Ahoy! — Belay 
there ! Belay ! 
(Rushes to the parapet and seizes Marion at the moment she is about to 

spring off.) 
Hilloa ! my lass ; — You're too young for Davy Jones' locker. A pretty 
little craft like you, so trim and neat, full-rigged, ropes all taut, — to 
run foul of a leeshore and no hand to steer her I Oh no — this ain't 
shipshape — no — no — no — no ! — 

Marion, (Faintly.) Oh ! oh ! 



30 Marion; or the reclaimed. 

Capt. V. My eyes! Here's a squall! — and no port for shelter! 
She's gone and fainted away ! — [puts a flask to her mouth.) Perhaps 
this will bring her to. Ahoy ! Cab — cab ! — come, look up sweet- 
heart! Don't be afeard o' me. Jacob Vaupelt was never yet the 
man to pass a ship in distress, or see a woman harmed. ( Takes Marion 
in his arms.) There — that's how I'll stow you away, my rosebud. 
Now then, my hearty. All safe aboard. Let's get under weigh. 
Steady — so — ahoy there! Cab ! ahoy ! ( Carries her off the stage.) 



Scene II. A parlor in a small house in London. Mrs. Vanpblt alone, 
arranging a table. 

3Irs. V. T can't think what makes Jacob so late. He said he 
would be back by ten o'clock at latest. We sail to-morrow, and so, I 
suppose, he has been overworking himself; poor fellow ! [Places a tan- 
kard and a pipe on the table.) There's something to comfort him when 
he comes in. ( Clock strikes.) Twelve o'clock ! Something must be 
the matter. I shouldn't wonder if he has found out some poor crea- 
ture in distress, — and gone all over London to help him. Ah ! 
Jacob — you are the one to get rich! I believe you'd give your very 
head away to do anybody good, if it wasn't fastened on so tight. 
Because he sees so few beggars in our own happy country, directly he 
puts his foot ashore here, his hands go in and out of his pocket, scat- 
tering money right and left, as if it was picked up like sand by the 
seaside. And, when I tell him he's too good, — "never mind Polly" 
— says he — " it will all come right in the end, — I can't help it.'' My 
poor husband ! It is very foolish, I know, — but, his heart is big as a 
lion's; and I love him all the better for it. Ah! here he comes at 
last! 

Enter Captain Vanpelt, l. i. e. supporting Marion. 

Capt. V. My eyes ! — Polly — here's a go ! — 
Mrs. V. What is the matter now, Jacob? Who is this ? 
Capt. V. Whew ! I'll tell you all about it presently. Fetch that 
chair, Polly. 



MARION; OR THE RECLAIMED. 31 

( They seat Marion hy the fire^ and stand apart a few moments in 

earnest conversation.) 

Mrs. V. [Approaching Marion.) Poor child ! — oh ! — Jacob ain't 
it horrible ! 

Capi. V. Horrible ? — aye Polly — as I was a going to say, — if that 
ain't enough to capsize the temper o' Job himself, and make the coolest 
Quaker blaze away, — there's no such thing as a heart in man or wo- 
man. Chalk that down. 

Mrs. V. (7^0 Marion.) Never mind, my dear, don t fret; — it will 
all come right in the end. You have committed a wicked sin ; but 
the Lord knows how your poor, innocent little heart was betrayed, 
and he will forgive and protect you. 

Marion. Oh ! oh ! 

Capi. V. Aye, Polly, — its no wonder she leaks. Such a yarn as 
that would fetch eye-water from an alligator. ( Wipes his eyes.) 
To think of a poor little craft like that, boarded by a pirate, — rifled of 
all her riches, — scuttled, — and then left to dash herself to pieces upon 
breakers ! The damned villain ! Oh ! but there must be men in the 
world whose hearts are black as thunder. ( Turns to Marion.) Cheer 
up, my lass — cheer up ! There's many a craft as hasn't shipped the seas 
and weathered the gales that you have, which, for all that, won't show 
so fair a log as you in the world to come. Chalk that down. Sissy, 
and don't cry. You're safe-moored now, thank Heaven! 

Marion. (Weeping.) Oh dear! — oh dear! 

Capt. V. Look ye here, Sissy, — as I was a going to say — Jacob 
Vanpelt is not the man to put his oar in other people's affairs ; but, — 
I feel an interest in you like, — I want to be your pilot till you can 
find a better. T must come athwart hawze o' the damned vagabond 
who served you so. What's his name — and where does he hail from? 

Marion. My dear, kind friend, I do not understand you. 

Mrs. V. My husband wants you to tell him, my dear, who it was 
that -wronged you; his object is, — if possible, — to bring him to a 
sense of justice. 

Marion. Oh ! never, never, my kind, gentle friend. 
You have no notion of the gulf between us ; 
And then again, — my poor, crushed, bleeding heart, 
However loving, — cannot sue for love! 



32 Marion; or the reclaimed. 

Mrs. V. That's very true, my child ; but whoever it is could not, 
if there remains in him one particle of manhood, — know what you 
suffer for his sake, without making you the only reparation which is 
yet in his power. 

Capt. V. I'm sorry, Sissy, you're all adrift with my lingo, but Jacob 
Vanpelt is true as a compass for all that, and has his weather-eye 
open; — chalk that down. I ain't a going to brew a storm in a pud- 
dle, oh no ; — nor bring you into squallsj — no, no, no ; — but, as I was 
going to say, — if I could only come athwart this fellow, veering about 
like a dogvane in a calm, I guess it would puzzle him to boom me off; 
— he must have a soft place somewhere; — I'd hail him to heave to, — 
and, if he didn't, — why then, damme! I'd pour such a broadside into 
him, that he'd be forced to strike his colors. 

Mrs. V. Tell us, my dear, who it is. It is no idle curiosity that 
makes us ask you. 

Marion. Since, my dear friends, you know so much already, it is 
Lord Grantley Howard. 

Capt. V. Oh ho ! so the wind's in that quarter, is it? 

Mrs. V. Lord Grantley Howard ! why Jacob, it's one of the no- 
blest families in England. His name, is as much known on the other 
side of the water, as it is here. 

Capt. V. Noble or not noble, — what's that to me ? I hail from a 
land, thank my stars ! where nobody is noble but those that God 
made noble. I call him noble only, who in word, thought and deed, 
proves himself a man ! Lord Grantley Howard, is it ? And so, 
because this shark is born a Lord, he is to scour the seas, devouring 
every thing that comes athwart him ; and nobody is to overhaul him, 
or send the grains into his cruel carcass ! I only wish I could get 
into his wake, that's all. Where does he live ? 

Marion. The family estate is down in Gloucestershire, but he is 
now in London. 

Capt. V. In London, eh? — Then, shiver my timbers! if I don't 
clap on all sail, and be aboard of him this very night. 

Mrs. V. Jacob, its of no use doing things in sucli a hurry. What 
good can you do by talking to Lord Grantley Howard, — and at such 
an hour as this ? 

Capt. V. What good can / do, Polly ? Why the flames do you 



MARION; OR THE RECLAIMED. 33 

ask that? I dunnow till I try; — "'tis a small leak sinks a great 
ship," poor Richard says ; — besides you know we get under weigh to- 
morrow, to cross the Atlantic ; and this little prize here, has promised 
to go with us. If I lose this high-tide, what other chance shall I 
have for talking to him about her? [To 3Iarion.) Whereabouts in 
London do you think I could find him at this hour, Sissy ? 

3Iarion. I accidentally overheard two gentlemen to-night say, that 
they were on their way to meet him at a party at Lord Clifton's. 
Capt. V. Where is that? 
Marion. In Belgrave Square — I believe. 
Capt. V. Give me my hat, Polly — 
Mrs. V. You Avon't go there to see him, Jacob ? 
Capt. V. Go there ? ( Vehemently.) I'd go to the devil to get 
within hail of him ! ( To Marion.) Excuse my lingo, my pretty 
lass, but Jacob Vanpelt has heard enough to-night to make every 
fibre of liis heart quiver. Never mind, though that heart is rough, — 
like a good bark, it's sound below. She's down to her bearings in a 
jiffy, with a heavy puff like this, — but, there she sticks, and won't 
careen no further. (Futs on his hat and seizes a stick.) Polly, you'll 
see and have all ready for starting with Marion to-morrow. ( To 
Marion.) Good-night, Sissy — I'll see all's right ahead. 

Marion. [Detaining him.) Dear Captain, — but you surely mean 
no violence? 

Capt. V. Never fear me, my lass; — Good-night, good-night. 

[Exit, L. I. E.) 
Marion. Oh ! how my heart beats at this dread encounter ! 
No good can come of it, — perchance much harm. 
Lord Grantley's name should not have passed my lips. 

[Exeunt^ r. i. e.) 



Scene 3. Residence of IjOW) Clifton, Belgrave Square, London. Time^ 
Early morning. Lords Clifton, Crampton, Loftus, Grantley How- 
ard, Lovelace. Sir Thomas Oldham, and other Noblemen carovsing. 
Walls garnished with stvords, pistols, and boxing gloves, ^c. 

All. Ha-ha-ha ! Bravo — Bravo! 

Lord Clif. A capital song, Lovelace ! Now Loftus let us have your 
story. 



34 MARION; OR THE RECLAIMED. 

Lord L. Clifton it is getting almost time to leave ; and laughter 
and good cheer together, have made me as hoarse as a waven. 

Lord Clif. Never mind, we'll forgive your hoarseness ; and as to 
leaving, I'll not hear even a hint of that. We're far from daylight 
yet. Fill, fill my friends. More wine ! [Servants replace bottles.) 

All. Loftus' story. 

Enter Servant, l. i. e. 

Servant. [Approaching Lord Clifton.) My Lord, — a strange man 
his in the all, and hurges hadmittance to see Lord Grantley Oward. 
E will take no refusal e says. 

Lord G. To see me at this extraordinary hour ! Who is he ? what 
does he want ? 

Serv. I don't know, my Lord. E is a rough-looking man, dressed 
in a pilot coat, some sailor I think ; and talks such hodd words I can 
scarcely hunderstand what e says. 

Lord Clif. Did he not give his card ? 

Serv. No, my Lord. [Hesitatingly.) E said e did not carry damned 
pieces of pasteboard in his pocket. Your Lordship's pardon, but those 
were is very words. ( Grins.) 

All. Ha-ha-ha ! 

Lord Clif. Nor his name ? 

Serv. No my Lord. E was very himpudent. E simply h insisted 
upon seeing Lord Grantley Oward, and said that e would know oo e 
was, quite time enough. 

Lord L. A Wussian Plenipotentiawy, beyond all weasonable 
doubt 

Lord G. Who the deuce can it be? I'll go and see him. 

Lord Clif. No Howard — if you have no objection, we will have 
him here. From Jackson's description, the fellow must be a charac- 
ter, and may be food for sport. Jackson, show up this stranger. 

[Exit Servant^ l. i, e.) 

Lord L. By the way Clifton, I have the best stowy to tell that we 
have heard yet. This vewy night as Sir Thomas Oldham and I were 
cwossing over Blackfriar's bwidge, who should we meet but, — aha! 
I see Sir Thomas alweady waising his finger at me to wefwain, — but 



MARION; OR THE RECLAIMED. 35 

the joke is too wich to be lost, — so — here goes, Sir Thomas: — Well — 
ah — as Iwas wemarking, who should we meet upon the bwidge but — 

Re-enter Servant, l, i. e. 

Serv. This way my good man, hif you wish to see is Lordship — 
Capt. V. [Entering.) None o' your good manning to me — you 
ugly painted son of a seacook ; you gold-and-tassel baboon you. 
Drop astern you lubber. [Pushes him amidst general laughter.) 

[Exit Servant, l. i. e. frightened.) 

Lord Clif. To whom, Sir, are we indebted for thisVery timely and 
ceremonious visit ? 

Capt. V. To Jacob Vanpelt, master of the trim barque, Mary Jane, 
bound to New York. Now you have my manifest — I want your's, — 
who the devil are you ? 

(Lord Grantley and Lord Loftus, r. c. approach. The latter exam- 
ines Capt. Vanpblt superciliously through an eye-glass.) 

Lord Clif. You are addressing, Sir — Lord Clifton. 

Capt. V. I am, eh? Then you're not the man I am seeking. 
[Looks contemptuously at Lord Loftus.) Who is this fellow here 
overhauling me so with his spy glass, and with curls all round his 
figure-head like a poodle dog ? Is h e a Lord, too ? 

Lord L. I would wecommend you, Sir, to be less personal in your _ 

wemarks, concerning me. Let me y^KPSSlSbev you, fellow — that I am ^Ubfu^*^ 
no other than Lord Loftus. 

Capt. V. The deuce you are ! — Then Lord Loftus, cut off that 
oily swab from your figure-head — pull that thing out o' your starboard 
eye, and don't twist your mug so — and then perhaps you'd pass mus- 
ter for a man. 

Lord L. [Turning indignantly.) A damned impertinent fellow, 
Clifton. I would vewy soon show such a wetch my door. 

Lord Clif. What is the purport of your visit, Sir ? 

Capt. V, To see Lord Grantley Howard. 

Lord O. Well, Sir ; here 1 am. 

Capt. V. [Eyeing him from head to foot.) My stars! are .you then 
Lord Grantley Howard ? and in the shape of a man ? 

Lord G. I am. 



3g MARION; OR THE RECLAIMED. 

Capt. V. Then let's heave to for a while, and give a wide berth to 
the rest o' the crew. I've something to say to you that's for no other 
ears, and when you've heard it, if you've any feeling left, you'll 
squirm like a whale when the harpoon has struck him. ( They come 
forivard.) 

Lord G. Who are you, Sir? — and what is the meaning of your 
coming to interrupt me in this extraordinary manner among a select 
circle of my noble friends ? 

Capt. V. [Raising himself proudly.) As I told you before, I am 
Jacob Vanpelt, Captain of an American vessel, and tho' I ain't a Lord 
like you, I am every inch a man. Sir. Chalk that down. That's who 
I am. Now, as to what brings me here, — listen : You see as I was 
plying my way home to-night across Blackfriar's bridge, from where 
I had been busy preparing for getting under-weigh to-morrow; just 
as I fetched the centre o' the bridge — 

Lord O. Well, Sir, — what's all this rigmarole to me ? — 

Oapt. V. Lookye here — Lord Grantley, — it ain't o' no account 
cutting the thread o' my yarn in that fashion. You must hear me 
out. As I was a going to say — Did you never come athwart a little 
craft named Marion Yorke ? 

Lord G. [Starting.') Marion Yorke! 

Capt. V. Aye, Marion Yorke ! — (aside,) That shot told, — now 
for a broadside: — (tdvwe.) Well as I was a going to say, — just as I 
fetched the centre o' the bridge I saw something climbing up the par- 
apet. It loomed devilish ugly ! It was dark — not a glim except the 
stars, — ^but it was light enough for me to see it was a woman ! (Lord 
Grantley is much agitated.) 1 hailed her to heave to, but, she never 
looked aft, nor said a word, but kept a climbing. In a twinkle I saw 
which way the wind blew, — gave chase — caught her at the very min- 
ute she was a going to slip her cable to sail for Kingdom Come and — 

Lord G. [Seizing his arm.) It was — 

Capt. V. Marion Yorke — as sure as you stand there! 

Lord G. My God! — you saved her? 

Capt. V. Aye-aye sir ; and "saving that poor lass makes Jacob 
Vanpelt feel taller than when he found the St. Denis at sea, masts 
gone, — six feet o' water in the hold, — and no provisions; and brought 
her people safe ashore. My good old woman at home has got her safe 



Marion; or the reclaimed. 37 

in tow. The sweetest girl that ever eyes beheld I By the power that 
made me, Lord Grantley Howard, — but, I wouldn't be you — no — not 
to be ten Lords rolled into one! Don't you feel bad for treating a 
poor lass like that? 

Lord G. Captain — I do. Give me your hand. You seem an hon- 
est man. Your words have sunk deeply into my soul. Come with me 
to an anti-room for a few moments — and tell me more of this. 

{Exeunt Lord Grantley Howard and Captain Vanpelt, r. i. e.) 

Lord L. Crampton — who the devil is that great bear that has just 
left the woom with Lord Gwantley ? The fellow's impudence would 
be intolewable if it were not so widiculously outlandish. 

Lord Cramp. I never saw him in my life, before. 

Lord L. Lord Gwantley seemed to wecognize him ; at least he shook 
his hand warmly as they left the woom. By the way — how very ec- 
centwic Lord Gwantley is at times. 

Lord Cramp. He called himself an American Captain, did he not ? 

Lord L. Yes, and if he is a specimen of an Amewican, I wonder 
how any civilized being can weside in such a country. Pon honor — 
I could as soon make fwends with the Ojibbeway Indians I saw danc- 
ing yesterday. 

Lord Clif. Come my friends, — fill your glasses again. This beau- 
tiful episode has interrupted our conviviality. Loftus the bottle is 
with you. 

Lord L. [Filling his glass, and passing the bottle.) Yes, — and the 
stowy too, Clifton. But, I must wait 'till Lord Grantley weturns; he 
is so deeply intewested in the matter, that I could not, of course, wen- 
der the stowy full justice without him. Ha-ha! 

Sir T. Loftus, beware ! this thing goes past a joke. 

Lord L. (Sipping his wine.) Ha-ha-ha! upon my soul Clifton, I 
don't know what the world is coming to. Vewy soon laughter will 
be pwohibited by municipal wegulation; — we must all turn Quakers, 
— get fined for kissing our sweethearts and wives on Sunday, like the 
ancient Puwitans; — and, I do vewily believe Sir Thomas already 
thinks it a gweat sin, under any circumstances, to cwack a joke with 
a pwetty girl anywhere. 
All. Ha-ha-ha I 

4 



38 MARION; OR THE RECLAIMED. 

Sir T. No, Loftus; — but there are times when jokes are so incon- 
venient that they cease to be jokes, and this is one of them. 

Lord L. Pooh — pooh! Sir Thomas; you are too wigid in your 
notions; I shall appeal to all pwesent when they hear the stowy. 

Lord Glif. What is this joke, Loftus ? You have raised our expec- 
tations so high, that it must be a very good one indeed to go down 
with us now. But — here comes Lord Grantley. 

Re-enter Lord Grantley, r. i. e. He seats himself moodily^ opposite 
Lord Loftus, 

Lord L. (Aside.) And looking as angwy as a thunder cloud ! 
(Aloud.) "Well — Lord Grantley, you have got wid of your fashion- 
able fwend at last. He was the queerest genius I ever saw. 

Lord G. (Sharply.) An honest man, Sir! 

Lord L. I thought you would wequire a surgeon after the gwip of 
the hand he gave you. 

Lord G. A hearty shake and a warm heart generally go together. 

Lord Clif. Your long confab has been keeping us on the tenter 
hooks of expectation, all this time. Lord Grantley. Loftus says he has 
a capital story to tell us, but, he would not begin it till you returned. 
Now then, Loftus : 

Lord L. It is a little joke against Sir Thomas Oldham, that's all. 
Well : — as Sir Thomas and I were cwossing Blackfwiars' bwidge, to- 
night, tempted by the beauty of the night, we paused a moment to 
converse. We soon perceived that we were overheard, and, on ap- 
proaching the intwuder, found it to be a girl; — and — ah — let me 
assure you my fwends — a wemarkably pretty one. With that gal- 
lantwy, for which, I believe, I am somewhat notorious, — I, of course, 
accosted her. (Imitates 3farion.) "Pway, Sir" said she, — "leave 
me alone, — I am not what I seem." Ha-ha-ha ! 

Sir T. (Glancing at Lord Grantley.) Nor was she — Lord Loftus. 
You have a strange notion of jesting. 

Lord L. Ha-ha! I see Sir Thomas is determined to spoil my 
stowy. " Well, my dawling," — said I, — passing my hand over one of 
the most beautifully pwoportioned busts you ever saw, — smooth as the 
finest Cawawa marble,—" if you are not what you seem, — what are 
you?"— Ha-ha! 



MARION; OR THE RECLAIMED. 39 

Lord O. I should have thought, Lord Loftus, that the first rebuke 
should have saved the poor girl from further molestation. 

Lord L. Ha-ha ! Lord Grantlej, — I see you are as romantically 
inclined as Sir Thomas ; — but, to my stowy : — up comes Sir Thomas, 
gvrave as a judge, (Imitates him.) " Loftus, be quiet ! — This is no 
common outcast, I assure you, — Her manners are so good." The cun- 
ning wench, who had overheard the conversation between us, was 
feigning a part, which told admiwably with Sir Thomas. " Tell Lord 
Grantley, for me " — she exclaimed, with a most dwamatic burst of 
tears, (/mitoses Marion,) "That from a bwoken heart, poor Marion 
Yorke forgives him!" — Ha-ha-ha ! 

Lord G. Am I to take this, Lord Loftus, as a deliberate insult? 

Lord L. Upon my soul. Lord Grantley, it is true. The dirty twol- 
lope spoke those very words, — did she not, Sir Thomas ? 

Lord G. How do you know, my Lord, that she deserves those 
terms ? 

Lord L. How do I know ? — Well — that is wefreshing, indeed ! — 
Ha-ha ! — Let me catch but one glance, and I can tell you Lord Grant- 
ley — as soon as any man — a common — 

Lord G. Withhold your ribaldry, Lord Loftus — I'm in no mood 
to bear it. 

Lord L. [Angrily.) The devil you are not! then perhaps you 
had better get into one. Since when, my Lord, had you the right to 
command me ! I shall speak. Lord Grantley Howard, in what terms 
I please, of common strumpets. 

Lord G. [Rising furiously.) She was none such, You lie, Lord 
Loftus ! and thus, I spurn your base, polluted tongue ! [Dashes a glass 
of wine into Lord Loftus' face. The party rise in confusion amidst cries 
of '■^ shame! shame f^ Lords Grantley and Loftus strive to get at 
each other, hut are withheld.) 

i:7rd L } ^^^^^^^ • ^^^^^^^ ■ 
(Lord Loftus rushes to the wall and seizes a sword.) 

Lord L. Hand him a weapon, lest I be driven to murder ! 
Sir T. Hold— Loftus! 

Lord G. [Seizing another sword.) Stand to your guard I 
Lord Cramp. Grantley I desist, for Heaven's sake ! 



40 MARION; OR THE RECLAIMED. 

Lord Clif. {Interposing.) My Lords ! my friends ! forbear — 
Bhame ! This is butchery — 'tis not the work of gentlemen — My 
Lords — can we permit this ? 

Lord G. Stand to your guard, you coward ! 

Lord L. Have at you then I ( They fight Lord Loftus falls.) 



END of act second. 



MARION; OR THE RECLAIMED. 41 



ACT III. 

Scene 1. New York. A magnificent hall room in Mr. Murray's 
house, 5th Avenue. Marion alone, holding a casket of jewels, and an 
open letter. 

Marion. A love gift sent to me ! to Marion Yorke I 
My dear, kind friends! ah ! little do you dream, 
When lavishing your fondness upon me, 
How this poor, broken, lost, unworthy heart 
Bleeds at the very acts that win it's love ! 
Ah I little do you think, when mirth prevails. 
And, 'mid the gay throngs of the merry dance, 
I too am forced to smile, — how like that smile 
Is to the dimpled eddy of a pool. 
Where all beneath is blackness and corruption ! 
My Parents! — where are they? — perchance no more! 
Or, if they live — rueing the fatal day 
When, bending o'er my cradled innocence. 
In their loved babe they but beheld a curse ! 
But — gentle Heaven is witness how, my soul — 
In it's despair, has sued it for forgiveness ; 
And how — in spite of all my dreadful trials, 
My heart has still remained true to my Grantley! 

(Reperuses the note.) 
So Colonel Yinman loves me ! Heaven forgive 
The mean deceit, which my poor, injured virtue 
Is forced to play upon such generous friends! 
Oh ! dreadful choice ! when, to escape from scorn, 
An honest heart must barter with dishonor ! 

(Sobs aloud and exit r. i. b.) 



Col Yin. And how did Mrs. Hay ward receive my present ? 



43 Marion; or the reclaimed. 

Mrs. M. I cannot understand her, my dear brother. She burst 
into a flood of tears, and, after throwing her arms wildly around my 
neck, hurried from my presence, and left me speechless and bewildered 
with emotion. 

Col, Vin. Dear girl! what can be the cause of this perpetual sad- 
ness ? Do you know anything of her former history? 

Mrs. 3L Nothing, but what my Uncle Vinman told me. She was 
brought over to this country some six months ago by Captain Van- 
pelt; the noble fellow who saved you and Uncle Vinman from a fright- 
ful death on board the St. Denis. Just before he returned to England, 
he told Uncle that she was a young widow, poor — but respectable 
and deserving, and entreated of him to do all that he could for her. 
She at once became a governess in my family. Even if gratitude 
did not compel us to yield kindness and protection to one in whom 
Captain Vanpelt is so deeply interested, Mrs. Hayward's gentle man- 
ners and sweet nature, have so won upon me, that, I confess I could 
not love her more, were she my sister. 

Col. Vin. What an unaccountable being! — is she not? For four 
long months I have been paying my addresses to her. There is not a 
thing which could flatter her pride, prove my devotion, or arouse her 
sensibilities, which I have not tried, and all in vain. Wrapped in 
some mournful reverie, she looks as pure, but as cold and unapproach- 
able as an iceberg. If I were deformed, — a thief — a drunkard; some 
miserable wretch who would take her from aflBuence, and drag her to 
ruin, I could understand this persistent rejection of my suit; but, 
when I see this in one, — who, — lovely as she is, — is not in a position 
of independence, — and, I have it in my power to make her both wealthy 
and happy, — I confess it puzzles me. She will drive me to despair ! 
Oh ! if I only knew some secret entrance to her heart ! Can you not 
find me a key to it my sweet sister? 

Mrs. M. The only key I know George, is Perseverance. You 
may be as proud as you please of the laurels you won at Monterey 
and Buenavista; you may be ever so skillful in beseiging fortifications, 
but, you know little of the ramparts of a woman's heart, if you are go- 
ing to despair already. {Laughs gaily.) Women are queer things I 
tell you. Persevere, George, persevere ! 

Col. Vin, But, do you really think she has any love for me? 



MARION; OR THE RECLAIMED. 43 

Mrs. M. I know this much : she has a deep respect for you, and 
that is a long step gained. Love and respect are very closely related 
in awoman's'heart. Once let Respect make a good breach, and Love 
will soon rush in to take the citadel by storm. That is a good mili- 
tary illustration, is it not my brother? 

Col. Vin. (Sighing.) Very good in theory; I only wish I could 
reduce it to practice. 

Mrs.M. [Patting his face playfully.) Courage! — my brother; and, 
do look more cheerful. Remember, this is the anniversary of my 
wedding day, and, I will have nothing but joy around me. I must 
away, — for, while T talk of love, our friends are all neglected. 

{Exit^ R. I. E.) 

Col. Yin. Alas ! Joy comes not to the troubled heart 
Which loves like mine, but finds its love disdained ! 
i^Enter a Servant, c. who places a card in Colonel Tinman's hand, and 
immediately withdraws.) 



Enter Lord Grantlby Howard. 

Col. Vin. [Much surprised.) Lord Grantley Howard! my dear 
and noble friend ! This is an unexpected pleasure. When did you 
arrive ? 

Lord G. Only yesterday — dear Vinman. Some months ago I 
landed in New York ; but, have been taking an amusing and instruc- 
tive tour through the United States. I met your uncle, my excellent 
old friend and tutor. Dr. Vinman, yesterday ; and, was directed where 
to find you. Did he not speak of my arrival ? 

Col. Vin. Not a word. My uncle relishes a joke so well, that, 
doubtless he intended this as an agreeable surprise. 

Lord G. No doubt. The dear old Gentleman! But, with all his 
joking, Vinman, — we talked of serious matters. From what he told 
me, I presume I should commence with my congratulations. 

Col. Vin. R. Congratulations! for what? 

Lord G. L. He told me that — unable to leave off your warlike 
habits — you are desperately and successfully beseiging the heart of a 
beautiful an"d charming young widow ; and, that a short time would 



44 Marion; or the reclaimed. 

probably find you in the sweet bonds of wedlock. Aha ! So you are 
caught at last, my Benedick ! 

Col. Vin. Just like my Uncle Vinman ! No — my dear friend; — 
my uncle's cheerful nature, and love for me, lead him to look with hope 
and pleasure upon a passion, which, hitherto, has caused me nought 
but anguish. 'Tis true I love, and deeply; — but, the realization of 
my blissful dreams is not so clear to me as it appears to him. How- 
ever, more of that anon. Lord Grantley, this is the anniversary of 
my Sister's wedding. Mr. Murray, my Brother-in-law, gives a grand 
ball, and, you are just in time to grace it. I shall have the pleasure, 
not only of introducing you to my family, but, to the fair cause of all 
my suffering. She resides with them. 

Lord G. It will aSbrd me the deepest pleasure. 'Tis long since I 
have said farewell to gaiety ; but, for this occasion, and with such in- 
ducements, I must forego my rule. 

Col. Vin. By the way, — since you have been my father-confessor, 
it is only fair that I should turn the tables, and become your's. I 
have just returned from Europe; and, while in London, saw Sir 
Thomas Oldham, who told me of that tremendous scrape of your's at 
Lord Clifton's. You heard, of course, how it terminated? 

Lord G. Oh yes. Thinking that I had slain Loftus, I immedi- 
ately took flight to America ; and, Crampton wrote me a long account 
of the aflFair. I regretted extremely that my temper so far overcame 
me in the residence of a friend, and, I sent Clifton an ample apology; 
but, when I found I had inflicted no lasting injury upon Loftus — I 
really rejoiced at the punishment I gave him. 

Col. Vin. And, so did every one present at the scene. 

Lord G. (Thoughtfully.) My temper and manhood were tested 
to their utmost. 

Cot. Vin. Unquestionably. Loftus' indecent anecdote annoyed Sir 
Thomas much; and, prevented him from touching upon the subject 
with you in a very different manner. The circumstance impressed 
him deeply at the time ; and, he affected me so much by its recital, 
that, you must excuse me Lord Grantley, if, on the strength of our 
long friendship, I even now allude to it. 

Lord G. ( With solemnity/.) Dear Vinman ; the intimacy which 
has existed between us from boyhood, induces me to listen, with re- 



MARION; OR THE RECLAIMED. 45 

spect, to anything you might say upon a subject dearest of all other's 
to my heart. But, — you can be spared a recital — I know it all ! 

Col. Vin. Was it then really Marion Yorke who accosted Sir 
Thomas on the bridge ? 

Lord G, It was. 

Col. Vin. How do you know it 9 

Lord (x. I know it — and far more. That eccentric fellow, one 
Captain Vanpelt, who came to see me at Clifton's, related all. He 
found her climbing the parapet ; and — oh, Heaven ! barely had time 
to save her from self-destruction! 

Col. Yin. Dreadful ! — ^but who did yon say the Captain was ? 

Lord G. One Vanpelt — an American ; — a very singular fellow. 

Col. Vin. Do you remember the vessel's name ? 

Lord G. I do not. 

Col. Vin. The " Mary Jane," bound for this city? 

Lord G. I really think it was. 

Col. Vin. Then, I know the man. 

Lord G. Is it possible ? 

Col. Vin. Aye, intimately ; and, a noble fellow, he is. Strange to 
say, we have just received intelligence of his arrival from England ; 
and, he will doubtless come to see us immediately. 

Lord G. This delights me ! 

Col. Vin. But, where is Marion ? 

Lord G. That's what I would give my title now to know. The 
Captain, failing in his application to me, (which, although quite un- 
heard of in audacity, betrayed a generous heart,) spoke as if he would 
protect her; but, would give no further clue to his movements. 

Col. Vin. Who knows but she may be in this very city ? 

Lord G. It is not only possible, but probable. 

Col. Vin. [Rises and claps his hands.) Bravo ! I'll find her for 
you. [Thoughtfully.) But — Lord Grantley, — why would you seek 
her? You surely would not — [They come forward.) 

Lord G. [ Very earnestly.) Vinman — you wrong me. Heaven 
forbid it ! — listen : 
So deeply does poor Marion haunt my soul, 
So keenly do I feel the wrong I've done her, 
That — could I but behold her once again, 



46 MARION; OB THE RECLAIMED. 

Prove to myself, beyond all shade of doubt, 

That her young heart has never swerved from me, 

I'd cast aside all title, wealth and fame, — 

All the ambitious longings of my life, — 

And throw myself a suppliant at her feet. 

To merit, if T could, a love like her's ! 

Col. Yin. Lord Grantley, — are you serious ? 

Lord G. By my soul, I am ! 
My solemn vow is registered in Heaven, 
That none but Marion ever gets this hand ! 

Col. Vin. But then, my Lord — 

Lord G. Pardon me — Vinman, 

I know what you would say : The pride of ancestry, — 
The vast disparity that lies between 
A peasant's daughter and a nobleman, — 
The slur upon my name, — the tongue of scandal, — 
The bitter laugh of scorn ! I've weighed all that ; 
But, far above nobility's proud claim. 
The herald's blazon, or blind Fashion's Code, 
I rank my Manhood, — nature's true nobility — 
And that rich gem — a steadfast woman's heart ! 

Col. V. Ah : — There indeed, spoke nature's nobleman I 
But, think. Lord Grantley, — such a step as that, 
Would damn forever, your proud rank at home ; 
Lora Grantley Howard wed a peasant girl ! 

Lord G. What if the foolish prejudice of caste 
Should make old England frown upon our union? 
Thank God ! the generous soil on which I stand, 
Spurns all distinctions, but those made by Heaven I 
In this majestic temple, reared to Freedom, 
So she be pure, my Marion could stand forth, 
The peer and equal of the proudest lady 
Whose brow is circled with a diadem ! 

Col. V. Give me your hand, my noble-hearted friend. 
I'll speak of this to Vanpelt, when I see him, 
And, if your poor, lost Marion, can be found, 
My joy shall be to bring you both together, 



MARION; OR THE RECLAIMED. 47 

And see her sorrows cast aside forever! 
Come with me to my sister. 

Lord O. Not now, dear Vinman ; 

You see I am not prepared. Pay my respects, 
And, at a later hour, I'll join your circle. [Ezit^ l. c.) 

Enter company from every side in gaily-dressed couples. 

(Mr. Murray escorts Marion, ivho is in mourning. Colonel Vinman 
advances to receive her. Music and dancing ; during which Colonel 
Vinman and Marion converse apart. At conclusion of dance exeunt 
all but Colonel Vinman and Marion. They come forward.) 

Col. Vin. Repulse me not, dear lady ! — oh ! if a being lovely as 
you are, can deign to look on me, tell me — oh ! tell me — how to 
gain your love. 

Marion, My love, Sir, is no longer mine to give 
You never can have that. 

Col. Vin. Withdraw those words, or, you will make me frantic ! 
What dangers shall I brave to merit it? 

Marion. Alas ! you merit now a better love 
Than mine would be. 

Col. Vin. Impossible ! — tell me at least to hope. 

Marion. And, if your fate could see that hope fulfilled, 
What vantage would you hold in a poor heart 
Already broken, worn, pre-occupied ? 

Col. Vin. Ah! let me but be Lord of that dear heart, 
And, although broken and pre-occupied, 
I would not yield its remnant for a throne ! 
My deep devotion would bind up its wounds, 
And make it throb with peace and joy again. 

Marion. Never! never! 

Col. Vin. '-iVeycr" falls harshly from the lips of one 
Whose youthful bloom has not yet reached its zenith. 

Marion. Ah ! Colonel Vinman ; but, some hearts may live 
In one short year the lapse of many ! 
Leave me — dear Sir, — oh I leave me, I implore you ! 



48 MARION; OR THE RECLAIMED. 

Col. Vin.. But, Madam, — is this grief never to cease ? 
One would imagine that the joys of earth, 
Joys — which for one like you — might be deemed boundless, — 
Had been collected in one bitter hour, 
And cast into the grave forever ! 

Marion. And so they are. Sir, if you respect me, 
You will refrain from touching on a chord 
Which vibrates to my soul in agony ! ( Weeps.) 

Col. Vin. Pardon me — Madam, — if, my too earnest zeal 
Has uttered aught that could recall to mind 
Sad memories of the past. But, the grave, 
Though it may rob what we most prize of earth. 
Should never teach our aching hearts despair. 
Nor seal them up forever from all sympathy. 

Marion. A something deeper, colder than the grave, 
Has sealed mine up forever. 

Col. Vin. Bitter words! 

That fall so strangely from a gentle being 
In the full spring-time of her youth and beauty. 

Marion. Strange words, alas ! they may be, but too true ! 

Col. Vin. As the chaste moon, on some bright summer's night, 
When lovers' eyes are levelled at her disk. 
Suddenly sinks behind some dismal cloud, 
And leaves the dark world mourning for her loss ; 
So — you permit this gloomy cloud of sorrow 
To vei] your charms from honest adoration. 
Oh ! bid it then disperse, — and shine again 
The brightest jewel in the starry Heaven ! 

Marion. Liken me rather to some barren rock 
Torn by an earthquake from its native cliff. 
And standing, all alone, in naked gloom. 
Let the adventurous wanderer beware. 
Who seeks t' explore its dark and mystic caves! 
The troubled surge that boils around that rock 
Would dash his bark to pieces ; or, if not, 
Alas ! he'd find nought to repay his pains 
But desolation ! Leave me — I beseech you I 



MARION; OR THE RECLAIMED. 49 

Col. Vin, Dearest ladj! I have seen the hour, 
When war's loud thunder and its bloodj havoc 
Could waken in this breast no throb of feaj; 
But, now I tremble at those cruel words ! 
They send a chill of horror to my heart, 
For, in their depth, I read my own despair ! 
In mercy — tell me to live on in hope ; 
Without your love, the world is one drear blank ! 

Marion. Indeed — indeed, sir, — but I fear 'tis hopeless. 

Col V. Ah ! say not hopeless! — and, this very night. 
Before my aching head rests on its pillow, 
Again I'll plead; and, on my bended knees 
Confront my doom. Never fell a sentence 
Upon the eager ear of a poor criminal. 
As your's will fall on mine, for good or evil. (Bzii, r. i. b.) 

Marion. (Solus.) Yes — yes — he loves me ! Gracious Heaven ! 
What anguish hast thou yet in store for me ? 
Already did I think that sweet repentance 
Had soothed my bleeding heart; but, this new grief 
Has come to tear its gaping wound afresh. 
Love ! love ! — ah ! Marion, what is love to thee ! 
Grantley ! Grantley ! why didst thou so wrong me ? 
When thou could' st cast this worthless heart away, 
Why did'st thou not instruct it to forget ? 
But, no — in spite of all its wounded pride, — • 
Though an infinity is placed between us, — 
Like the burnt moth, still hovering round the flame 
Which would consume its tender form to ashes. 
My foolish, fluttering heart still clings to thee, 
And can admit no other love than thine ! 

Re-enter Mrs. Murray, r. c. 

Mrs. M. Marion, my darling, — I have been looking everywhere 
for you. Where is my brother George ? — You have not refused him ? 

Marion. (Throwing herself wildly at Mrs. Murray's /ee<.) 
My kind, — my generous friend ! — oh I pardon ! — pardon I 

5 



so MARION; OR THE RECLAIMED. 

Mrs. M. Heaven ! what is this ? — Marion ! Marion ! 
[Aside.) This dreadful sorrow must have wrecked her reason ! 

Marion. ( Clinging to Mrs. Murray.) 
Kind Heaven is witness, how my soul abhorred 
The base, deceptive part which I have played, — 
But— 

Mrs. 31. [Raising 3Iarion to herfeet^ and embracing her.) 
My sweet sister — cease this horrid grief. 

Marion. [Laughing histerically .) 
Sister I Ah ! call me not by that sweet name 
Which, like a dagger, strikes me to the heart ! 

Mrs. M. My Marion, what means this ? this sudden passion. 
These vague, mysterious words, — and frenzied manner 
Have sent a thrill of terror to my soul. 
Say — what is it that can oppress you thus ? 
You must have learnt enough of me to know 
That 'tis a. friend^ who clasps you to her bosom ! 
Come — tell me all, — 

Marion. No — no, — not now ; — 

My conscious tongue is palsied at the thought ; — 
I cannot, — dare not ! ( Weeps vehemently .) 

Mrs. M. [ Weeping.) But — you know, my love. 

Marion. Alas ! — and shall I turn that love to scorn ? 

Mrs. M. Scorn ! 

Marion. Aye ! — in pity, press me now no more ; 
And, e're these streaming eyes know sleep again, 
I will, — in my despair, — unbosom all ! 

[Exit^ r. 

Mrs. M. Alas ! dear girl ! — what can this frenzy mean ? 
Scorn I scorn I why should she speak of scorn ? 
She, whose bright charms, and sweet, refined grace 
Must challenge the deep love of all who know her ! 
I'll follow her, and strive to soothe her grief. 

[Fzit, r. 



MARION; OR THE RECLAIMED. 51 



Scene II. Another room in Mr, Murray's House. 



[Enter Captain and Mrs. Vanpelt; Mr. and Mrs. Yorke. l. i. e. 
Distant music of the hall is heard.) 

Capt. V. Hilloa ! — what's in the wind I wonder ? I say — Farmer 
Yorke, thej seem to be having a grand flare up to-night. There they 
go ! — won't Marion be glad when she knows I've brought you with 
me ! Brace me down, somebody, afore I fly off like loose canvas in 
a gale, [flakes a few grotesque turns to the music of the waltz.) 
Whew ! shiver my timbers ! but this is a great day for Jacob Yanpelt. 
[To Mr. and Mrs. Yorke.) Didn't I tell you I'd bring you to her? 
Whew ! Jacob Yanpelt, you ain't as light o' foot as you used to be. 
I'm a blowing like a grampus. 

Mr. Y. My poor child ! oh ! how I tremble at the thought of 
seeing her. 

Capt. V. [Tapping his shoulder encouragingly.) Come — come — 
old friend, this won't do. Cheer up, neighbor. Shiver my timbers! 
jiist when the cockles o' my heart are warming at the thought o' see- 
ing Marion, here you are careening over, for all the world, like an 
old crazy hulk in a trough o' the sea. Cheer up my hearty ! Marion 
is with good folks, I tell you; and, nobody knows anything to say 
against her. But, mind you put a clapper upon your tongues when 
you hear anything said about Mrs. Hagward, that's all. If you don't, 
you'll capsize us ; and, maybe, let out something as you oughtn't. 

Mr. Y. Oh ! Captain Yanpelt ; if I could only, see my poor, dear 
child, as she used to be ! so innocent — so — 

Capt. V. Avast! neighbor, — I know what you are at. It's the 
same old yarn we've had a hundred times. Lookye here. Farmer 
Yorke, as I was a going to say: I know the act was wrong, verg 
wrong, — and, mind you — I ain't a going to lend a fist to help it. Chalk 
that down. But, although the world, if it knew it, would bear 
down upon that poor little craft, like a three-decker upon a helpless 

I believe in the eyes o' God, — 



63 MARION; OR THE RECLAIMED, 

her heart ain't as pure as the snow on the top of that iceberg we nigh 
run foul of, on our passage home. 

Mrs. Y. My poor, dear Marion! although my old heart bleeds 
whenever I think of her; oh! how it leaps at the bare thought of 
seeing her again. 

Capt. V. As I was a going to say — Mrs. Yorke, — you and her 
Father must meet her, colors flying at the mast-head, and not half- 
mast high in crape, d'ye hear ? No — no — that won't do. That would 
break her poor little heart outright. Lord, if you only knew what 
she has suflFered all this time. Poor lassj Why, she has shed tears 
enough in the last year, to float a marlingspike. Is repentance nothing? 
Tell me that, Mrs. Yorke. {His voice f altars.) Is the good life she led 
afore and aft that one false step, to count for nothing ? Don't you be- 
lieve it, ma'am. There isn't one drop o' sorrow has ever fallen from 
poor Marion's eyes, but a just God has kept it safe aloft, to wash her 
soul to whiteness ! [Draws his sleeve across his eyes.) 

Mr. T. From my heart and her Mother's, Captain, she will have 
forgiveness; and, I hope, from her Maker also; but oh! the world ' 
the world ! 

Oapt. V. [Recovering himself .) And, what about the world? Who 
knows anything about Marion ? Besides, what is the world Marion 
ain't good enough for? I tell you what it is, neighbor, as I was a 
going to say, — there's many more in this big world sailing under false 
colors, than you or I may dream of. Chalk that down. Look out 
on Broadway here, for instance, any day of the week. Look at the 
fleet o' crafts of all sorts you'll see there ; from the rich merchantman 
of uppertendom, down to the poorest fishing smack o' Five Points. 
There go your Union Square rs with shawls a streaming out like silk 
ensigns, stays well set up, and rakish gaff-topsail bonnets with pen- 
nants a-flying, all colors o' the rainbow! Are they all right d'ye 
think? Devil a bit. Farmer Yorke. Talk o' virtue ! There's many a 
one among 'em flaunting away in the sunshine o' prosperity, that, 
when overhauled, and made to show their manifest, won't be able to 
hold on to the skirts o' your Marion, in the Kingdom of Heaven ' 

Chalk that down. Farmer Yorke. Hilloa ! here comes somebody^ 

(Mr. and Mrs. Yorke are much agitated.) 



MARION; OR THE RECLAIMED. 53 

Enter^ Dr. Vinman, Col. Yinman and Mr. Murray, r. i. e. 

Dr. V. Captain Vanpelt ! my dear old friend ; I'm very glad to 
see you. When did you arrive ? 

Capt. V. This very morning. I'm mighty glad to meet you, Dr. 
Vinman — and you too, Colonel — and Mr. Murray, and all looking so 
hearty. Gentlemen, these are the parents o' Mrs. Hay ward. {Par- 
ties salute each other.) 

Mr. T. Mrs. Hayward ! 

Capt. V. (Aside to Mr. Yorke.) Belay there ! 

Mr. M. Mrs. Hayward will soon be here with my wife. She was 
so overcome by the announcement of her parents' arrival, that it will 
take her some few moments to recover. 

Enter, Lord Grantley Howard, l. i. h. 

(Capt. Vanpelt and Mr. Yorke recoil a pace or two.) 

Capt. V. Shiver my timbers! if it ai'nt he! 

Col. Vin. [Advancing to him.) It is Lord Grantley Howard! 
Welcome, my noble friend ! — 

w " -^ I Lord Grantley Howard ! 

(Lord Grantley stands aghast. Mrs. Yorke falls bach in her 
chair, and Mrs. Vanpelt applies restoratives. Mr. Yorke staggers, 
and leans against Capt. Vanpelt. Dr. Vinman, Col. Vinman and 
Mr. Murray overcome with astonishment.) 
Dr. Vin. [Taking the hand of Capt. Vanpelt.) My dear old 

friend — what is all this ? 

Capt. V. Much more than / can tell, good Dr. Vinman, 

Dr. Vin. [To Capt. Vanpelt.) Say — why all this excitement? 

This is Lord Grantley Howard, — and, are not these the parents of 

Mrs. Hayward? 

Capt. V. They are the parents of 3farion Yorke ! 

Dr. V. And who is Marion Yorke ? 

Capt. V. [Pointing to Lord Grantley.) Ask it of that villain, 

he can tell you. 



64 MARION; OR THE RECLAIMED. 

Dr. Vin. ( Turning to Lord Grantley, who has. buried his face in 
his hands.) Lord Grantley, what is this? — for mercy's sake, explain. 

Lord G. A wretched, self-confessed villain, confronted with his 
crime I 

Dr. Vin. [Horror-struck.) What I 

Lord G. {Approaching Mr. Yorke with solemnitg, and holding out 
his hand.) 

My good, my honest, my much — injured friend, 
Will you forgive me ? 

3fr. T. (Shrinking.) Away ! Lord Grantley Howard ! 

Capt. V. ( Vehemently.) Avast ! — your touch will give him lep- 
rosy! 

Lord. G. [Seizing both Mr. Yorkers hands.) 
Nay — Heaven has pardon even for the damned. 
Thus, then — old man — I do implore it ! 

JEnter Marion, r. i. e. leaning in terror on Mrs. Murray. 

[She recognizes her Mother^ rushes loildly towards her, and throtvs herself 

at her feet.) 

Marion. Mother ! forgive ! forgive ! [After some moments, she is 
about to rise; recognizes Lord Grantlete^ct^ her side; shrieks and falls 
senseless.) 

Lord G. [Raising her to her feet, and kissing her frantically.) 
Marlon ! by heaven, it is my Marion ! 
See to her ladies. (Mrs. Murray and Mrs. Yanpelt run to her.) 

Capt. V. [ Wiping his eyes.) Lord Grantley Howard — Here's a 
wreck, indeed. ! 

Lord G. [Solemnly to Dr. Vinman and Col. Yinman.) My friends 
one word — 
Bear with me for a moment, while I explain 
The dreadful scene which passes now before you. 

[They converse apart for a few seconds.) 

Dr. Vin. [Aloud.) Horrid avowal ! 

Lord G. When I awoke to gaze upon the ruin, — 
My wayward heart, still struggling with honor. 
Would have impelled me to the only course 
To seek forgiveness ! 



MARION; OR THE RECLAIMED. 65 

Dr. Vin. And what prevented it ? 

Lord. G. The gulf, which, in the Old World, fashion places 
Between the noble and the lowly born. 

Dr. Vin. True — true ! 

Lord O. That gulf — dear Doctor — seemed to me impassible. 
Still, in despair my fluctuating soul 
Struggled and wavered between right and wrong, 
And, I did think that honor would have triumphed! 
But, when my friends shewed to my fevered gaze 
The loss of caste, th' envenomed tongue of scandal. 
And foiled ambition, — the picture was too dreadful ! 
I bent to CUSTOM and abandoned her ! 
Bear witness — Heaven ! — how dearly too I loved ! 

[Overcome by emotion.) 

Capt. V. [Pacing the room in agitation.) Coward! Coward! 

Lord G. Aye — coward! coward! — I deserve the title. 

[Turns to Marion.) 
But, as I hope salvation yet from Heaven, 
Could I but get my Marion to forgive me, 
I would forego all title, wealth, and power. 
To merit the sweet love she once did bear me, 
And blot this stigma from my soul forever ! 
[Throios himself at the feet of Marion, who has regained her senses.) 

Capt. V. Done like a man ! (Col. Vinman stands speechless with 
emotion.) 

Dr. Vin. [To his nephew.) Bear it like a soldier and a christian. 
It is the will of Heaven ! (Mrs. Murray crosses to Col. Vinman and 
bends over him.) 

Lord G. [Rising.) Come — dearest Marion. Advances with her.) 

Tell me — my sweet one ; — 
In spite of all the hideous, dreadful past. 
Tell this repentant heart you can forgive ! 

Marion. [Plaintively.) As I do hope to see my sin forgiven, 
Dear Grantley — I forgive. 

Lord G. And, tell me too — you do not quite despise me, 
Since love, I cannot, dare not hope again I 

Marion. All-seeing Heaven bear witness, that my soul 



66 MARION; OR THE RECLAIMED. 

Through every trial, in spite of every grief, 
Has never for one moment, turned from thine ! 
Fixed, as the steadfast needle to the pole, 
My heart — dear Grantley, has been true to thee ! 

Lord G. Angelic being ! then hasten to these arms ! 
These cruel arms, which, in their base desertion, 
Have given thee intenser power to prove 
How noble was the heart I dared to scorn ! 
Since you have uttered the sweet note of pardon, 
In mercy — dearest — breathe the word forget ; 
And, as I swear, in face of Heaven and man, 
That henceforth, my fond soul, knows nought but thee, — 
Thus let me seal the blissful vow forever ! 

(^Embraces her.) 

Marion. And, shall we never, never part again ? 

Lord G. Never — my love — 'till Death's cold hand divides us ! 

Marion. And — think you, Grantley, Heaven will bless our union ? 

Lord G. Why — my adored one — should kind Heaven not bless 
The union of two souls, so deeply tried ? 
The very griefd that tore our hearts asunder 
Now form the links to bind them both together ! 

Marion. Then, joy forever ! Marion's prayer is heard. 
And, one lost soul to happiness, reclaimed ! 

Lord. G. Come — dearest — come, — in this auspicious moment, 
' Ere yet, this holy minister unites us, — 
Let us together, on our kness, implore 
A pardon and a blessing from our parents. 
( They kneel toff ether, at the feet of Mr. and Mrs. Yorkb, who place 

their hands upon them in silence and agitation. The others group 

around them.) 



CURTAIN FALLS. 



LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 




018 597 426 1 ^ 



\ 



